Greeting Customers
Every person who walks through our door should feel welcome immediately. A warm greeting sets the tone for their entire visit. You do not need a script -- just be genuine, friendly, and helpful.
The Basics
When someone walks in, make eye contact and greet them within a few seconds. It does not matter if you are in the middle of making a drink -- a quick acknowledgment goes a long way.
Your go-to greeting:
"Welcome to Muse & Co!"
That is it. Simple, warm, and enough to let them know they have been seen. If you are mid-task, a smile and a "Hey, welcome in! I'll be right with you" works perfectly.
Read the Room
Not everyone wants a big greeting. Some people walk in confidently and head straight to the counter -- they have been here before. Others stand near the door looking around. Match your energy to theirs. Confident regulars get a friendly nod. Hesitant newcomers get a warmer welcome with some guidance.
First-Time Visitors
You will spot first-timers pretty quickly. They tend to look around, read the walls, or hover near the entrance. When you see this, walk them through what we are:
"Welcome! Have you been here before? We're an artist's lounge and tea house -- we've got boba, specialty teas, coffee, and you can even sit and paint while you're here. The menu is right up there on the board."
Key things to mention to newcomers:
| What to Highlight | Why |
|---|---|
| We are an artist's lounge and tea house | Sets us apart from a typical coffee shop |
| Point out the menu board | Helps them get oriented |
| Mention boba and specialty teas | Our signature offerings |
| Mention art experiences (Sit and Paint, Paint & Boba) | Many people do not realize we offer this |
| Seating is open -- sit anywhere | Removes uncertainty about where to go |
Do not overwhelm them with information. A few sentences is enough. Let them browse the menu and come back to you with questions.
Regulars
Regulars are the backbone of our business. Acknowledge them by name if you know it, and reference their usual order if you remember it.
"Hey Sarah! The usual today?"
Even if you do not remember their exact order, showing that you recognize them matters. A simple "Good to see you again!" makes people feel valued.
Muse Stars Loyalty
If a regular does not already have a Muse Stars account, this is a natural time to mention it. "By the way, have you signed up for Muse Stars? You'd earn points on everything you buy." More details on loyalty are in Taking Orders.
Military Families
We are located near Fort Liberty, and many of our customers are military families. Some are brand new to Fayetteville and looking for places to feel at home. Be especially welcoming -- they may not know anyone in town yet, and a friendly face at a local spot can make a real difference.
You do not need to ask if someone is military. Just be warm and helpful the way you would with anyone. If they mention they just moved here, feel free to share what you enjoy about downtown Fayetteville or recommend other local spots.
Event Check-Ins
When someone arrives for a scheduled event (Paint & Boba, a workshop, or a private booking):
- Greet them -- "Welcome! Are you here for the Paint & Boba event tonight?"
- Check them in -- Open the staff portal and find the event. Confirm their name on the list and mark them as checked in.
- Direct them -- Point them toward the art area and let them know when the event will start.
- Offer a drink -- Paint & Boba includes a drink, so let them know they can order whenever they are ready.
Walk-Ins During Events
If someone walks in during an event and they are not signed up, check if there are open spots. If the event is full, welcome them to hang out in the lounge and order from the regular menu. Never turn someone away without offering an alternative.
Phone and Email Inquiries
We do not have a phone line. If someone asks for a phone number, let them know:
"We handle everything over email. You can reach us at hello@ncmuse.co, or check out our website at ncmuse.co for the menu, events, and hours."
If someone emails hello@ncmuse.co with a question and you are on shift, check with your shift lead about whether to respond. General inquiries about hours, the menu, or events are fine to answer directly. Anything about bookings, partnerships, or complaints should be forwarded to management.
Directing Customers Online
Customers often ask about things they can do on our website. Here are the key pages to know so you can point them in the right direction:
| Customer Wants | Direct Them To |
|---|---|
| Browse the menu | ncmuse.co/menu |
| Book Paint & Boba or Sit and Paint | ncmuse.co/paint |
| See upcoming events | ncmuse.co/events |
| Book private event / space rental | ncmuse.co/book-space |
| Check loyalty points / sign up | ncmuse.co/loyal-tea |
| Claim stars from a receipt | ncmuse.co/claim-stars |
| Membership info | ncmuse.co/membership |
| Military discount info | ncmuse.co/military-discount |
| Art classes | ncmuse.co/classes |
| FAQ | ncmuse.co/faq |
| Contact us | ncmuse.co/contact or hello@ncmuse.co |
Military Discounts
Since we are near Fort Liberty, many of our customers are active duty, veterans, or military families. We offer military discounts with a valid military ID:
| Service | Discount |
|---|---|
| Sit and Paint | 30% off |
| Paint & Boba | 25% off |
| Space Rentals | 15% off |
| Drinks | 5% off + 1 free topping |
If a customer asks about military pricing, you can also direct them to ncmuse.co/military-discount for full details. We have a dedicated military events booking page at ncmuse.co/military-events for unit events, SFRG gatherings, and similar group bookings. Government purchases are tax-exempt and we accept GPC cards.
Memberships
We offer monthly memberships that give customers ongoing perks. If someone is a regular or mentions they come in often, it is worth bringing up:
"By the way, we have memberships starting at $25 a month that include bonus Stars, workshop priority, and access to members-only menu items. You can check it out at ncmuse.co/membership."
| Tier | Price | Key Benefits |
|---|---|---|
| Basic | $25/mo | Stars bonus, workshop priority, members-only menu items |
| Premium | $45/mo | All Basic perks + more (most popular) |
| Elite | $105/mo | All Premium perks + VIP priority, exclusive events |
Annual pricing saves 2 months. Customers can sign up at ncmuse.co/membership.
Quick Reference
| Situation | What to Do |
|---|---|
| Someone walks in | "Welcome to Muse & Co!" within a few seconds |
| They look confused or hesitant | Walk them through what we are and point out the menu |
| First-timer | Explain artist's lounge + tea house, mention boba and art |
| Regular | Acknowledge by name, reference their usual if you remember |
| Here for an event | Check them in on the staff portal, direct to art area |
| Military family or new to town | Be extra welcoming, share local recommendations if asked |
| Asking for a phone number | Direct to hello@ncmuse.co or ncmuse.co |
| Walk-in during a full event | Offer the regular menu and lounge seating |
Last updated: March 2026